American Heart Association, Inc.

Contact Information American Heart Association, Inc. 7272 Greenville Ave. Dallas, TX 75231-4596 TX Tel. 214-373-6300 Toll Free 800-242-8721 Fax 214-706-1191 Stroke Know the signs & symptoms of stroke.

Type: Private - Not-for-Profit
On the web: http://www.americanheart.org

The American Heart Association (AHA) is a nonprofit organization devoted to the fight against heart disease and stroke (the nation's #1 and #3 killers, respectively), and other cardiovascular illnesses. In addition to conducting research, it serves as a clearinghouse for information on heart-related diseases and conditions and acts as an advocate on public policy issues related to its mission. The organization has affiliate offices throughout the US and in Puerto Rico. The AHA was founded in 1924 by six cardiologists, who recognized the need to widely share their heart disease education and research.

Officers:
Chairman, National Secretary, and Treasurer: Andrew B. Buroker
CEO: M. Cass Wheeler
President: Raymond J. Gibbons

Founded in 1924, the American Heart Association was formed as a medical society to share knowledge about heart disease. In 1948, the association was reorganized into a voluntary health organization whose mission is building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

With headquarters in Dallas, Texas, there are eight regional American Heart Association affiliates and more than 3,000 full-time and part-time staff. More than 22.5 million volunteers and supporters carry out the association's mission in communities across the country. A volunteer board of directors, with members from science, medicine, business, and industry, governs the association.

In 2007 a budget of about $700 million supported research, public and professional education, community programs, and advocacy. Research funded by the association has contributed significantly to CPR training, bypass surgery, pacemakers, artificial heart valves, microsurgery, and life-extending drugs. Education messages emphasize quitting smoking; controlling blood pressure; eating a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet; being physically active; and maintaining a healthy weight.

A major goal of the American Heart Association is to reduce coronary heart disease and stroke (and the risk factors for these conditions) by 25 percent by the year 2010.

In November 1998, the association created a division called the American Stroke Association. Its goal is to support stroke-education programs, stroke-related research, and stroke survivors and their caregivers.

(SEE ALSO: American Cancer Society; American Lung Association; Atherosclerosis; Blood Pressure; Cardiovascular Diseases; Coronary Artery Disease; Stroke)

— CAROL LEBEN

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